Family Law Board Certification in Louisiana

The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization has established stringent standards for attorneys seeking certification in Family Law to ensure that certified specialists demonstrate a high level of expertise, experience, and ethical standards in this complex area of law. Below is an overview of the key requirements:

1. Active Bar Membership

• Eligibility: Applicants must be active members in good standing of the Louisiana State Bar Association at the time of application.

2. Experience and Practice Focus

• Minimum Practice Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time legal practice immediately preceding their application.
• Specialization Focus: During at least 48 of the 60 months immediately preceding the application year, the applicant must have devoted a minimum of 35% of their practice to Family Law. This includes work related to divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, adoption, domestic violence, and other family-related legal matters.

3. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

• CLE Requirements: Applicants must complete a minimum of 18 hours of specialized CLE in Family Law within the year of application. These CLE credits must be approved by the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and the Advisory Commission. CLE completed in prior years cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

4. Professional References

• Reference Submission: The application must include at least five reference statements from practicing attorneys who can attest to the applicant’s competence in Family Law. At least one reference must come from a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist.

5. Professional Liability Insurance

• Insurance Requirement: Applicants must maintain professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000. This insurance must be provided by a company acceptable to the Board, and proof must be submitted as part of the application process.

6. Written Examination

• Examination: Applicants must pass a written examination designed to test their knowledge and expertise in Family Law. This ensures that only those with a comprehensive understanding of the field achieve certification.

7. Certification Duration and Recertification

• Five-Year Certification: Certification as a Family Law Specialist is valid for five years. During this period, specialists must continue to meet all ongoing requirements, including annual CLE and maintaining professional liability insurance.
• Recertification Process: Every five years, specialists must apply for recertification, demonstrating continued compliance with certification standards. This includes verifying continued practice focus in Family Law, ongoing CLE, and insurance coverage.

These standards ensure that certified Family Law specialists are among the most qualified and experienced professionals in the field, capable of handling the intricate and sensitive nature of family-related legal matters with the highest level of professionalism.

The application process for Board certification in Family Law by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization involves several key steps:

1. Eligibility and Active Membership

• Bar Membership: Ensure you are an active member in good standing with the Louisiana State Bar Association.

2. Experience and Practice Focus

• Minimum Practice Requirement: Applicants must have at least five years of full-time legal practice, with a focus on Family Law for at least 35% of their practice during 48 of the 60 months preceding the application year. This includes handling cases such as divorce, custody, support, adoption, and other family-related matters.

3. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

• CLE Requirements: Complete a minimum of 18 hours of specialized CLE in Family Law within the application year. All CLE credits must be approved by the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and the Advisory Commission.

4. Professional References

• Reference Submission: Submit at least five reference statements from practicing attorneys who can attest to your competence in Family Law. At least one reference must be from a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist.

5. Professional Liability Insurance

• Insurance Requirement: Maintain professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 from a provider acceptable to the Board. Proof of insurance must be included with the application.

6. Written Examination

• Examination: Pass a written examination that tests your knowledge and expertise in Family Law. The examination is designed to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of Family Law practice.

7. Application Submission

• Final Submission: Once all the requirements are met, including completion of the CLE, reference submission, and passing the examination, the completed application must be submitted to the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization for review.

This process ensures that only highly qualified and experienced attorneys are granted certification in Family Law, signifying their expertise and commitment to this specialized area of legal practice.

Maintaining certification as a Family Law specialist through the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization requires ongoing dedication to professional standards and continuing education. Certified specialists must fulfill specific annual duties, including completing required CLE hours and maintaining professional liability insurance. Every five years, specialists must undergo recertification to retain their status. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to decertification, ensuring that only those who consistently meet the high standards of the profession maintain their certification.

Annual Duties

1. Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Family Law specialists must complete at least 18 hours of approved CLE in Family Law each year. Up to eight excess hours can be carried forward to the next year, but not from the application year.
2. Professional Liability Insurance: Specialists must maintain professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 and provide proof annually.
3. Active Practice Certification: Specialists must annually certify under oath that they are engaged in full-time legal practice, with at least 35% dedicated to Family Law.

Recertification

1. Five-Year Recertification Cycle: Specialists must apply for recertification every five years. This involves submitting an application demonstrating continued compliance with certification requirements, including CLE completion, practice focus, and insurance coverage.
2. Application Submission: The recertification application must confirm that the specialist has maintained at least 35% of their full-time practice in Family Law over the past five years.

Decertification

1. Grounds for Decertification: The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization may revoke certification for failure to comply with annual duties, such as not meeting CLE requirements, failing to maintain professional liability insurance, or not adhering to the required practice focus.
2. Review Process: If a specialist does not meet the requirements, the Board may initiate a review process that could lead to decertification. The specialist will be notified and may have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

These procedures ensure that certified specialists maintain their expertise and commitment to the high standards required in the field of Family Law.